Monday, October 10, 2011

Favre v. Rodgers

The emergence of Aaron Rodgers as a premier NFL quarterback has resulted in there being frequent questions raised about whether he - or Brett Favre - is/was the better quarterback.  In my opinion, it isn't a close call.  Rodgers is clearly superior.  While Favre may actually end up with greater CAREER numbers for many records, that will be due to his longevity and his durability rather than his quarterbacking prowess.  As a relatively well informed fan observer (which I use to descibe myself to separate me from the more experienced professional prognositcators) Rodgers gives a team ALL of the upside Brett Favre brought to the table as a quarterback, but NONE of the downside.
What is the downside?  The refusal to accept what you see when you see someone covered and try to force the ball in anyway.  The annoyingly predictable practice of throwing a ball "up for grabs" where it is almost certain to be intercepted at LEAST once every game.  The significant number of fumbles when hit in the pocket.  To sum up, Brett Favre hold the NFL record for most interceptions thrown by a quarterback.  How about Aaron Rodgers?
Fewest Interceptions at Time of 100th Career Pass TD, NFL History
QuarterbackIntDate of 100th TD
Aaron Rodgers34        Sunday
Philip Rivers43        Dec. 13, 2009
Dan Marino44        Sept. 7, 1986
Source: Elias Sports Bureau